Alice Henderson Mabin at 711 East Vance Street with sister Doris Henderson Ward, early 1940s.

“Mrs. Alice “Zeke” Henderson Mabin, 97, daughter of the late Jesse “Jack” and Pauline Artis Henderson, was born in Wilson, North Carolina on January 22, 1920. She entered into eternal rest on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at the Wilson House, an assisted living facility in Wilson. Her funeral will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, August 5, at Stevens Funeral Home. Burial will be 2 p.m. Monday at National Cemetery, Hampton, Virginia.

“Alice received her nickname from her older sister, Bessie, whose pet name for the new baby was “Zekie Poo.” Alice was reared in Wilson County, NC where she was educated in the public-school systems. One of her first jobs as was an elevator operator in one of Wilson’s few office buildings. Later, she was an employee at Carnegie Institution for Science in Baltimore, Maryland, where she retired after many years as an operating room technician.

“In the 1950s, Alice relocated to Norfolk, Virginia, where she met and was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Joseph “Joe” Willie Mabin on August 15, 1957. Shortly after, they moved to Baltimore, Maryland, and bought a home at 3509 Mulberry Street where they spent several happy years until he passed on December 13, 1968.

“Alice was a member of the Church of Christ in Baltimore where she taught Sunday School and was a faithful and dedicated member until her health declined.

“On July 19, 2012, Alice moved back to Wilson to the care of her nephew Louis Hall Jr. and his wife Jean.

“Alice was a beautiful, cheerful, and fun-loving person who was full of life. Her smile was infectious and could light up a room. She made everyone around her happy. No matter whether it was her positive attitude, a funny story or a big smile, she was such a delight to be around. She was a loving wife, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend who lived a long and healthy life. She will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

“In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings, brothers Archie, Jesse Jr., and Bobby Henderson, and sisters Bessie Henderson Smith, Joyce Henderson Boyd, and Mildred Henderson Hall.

“Alice leaves to cherish her fond memories a sister, Mrs. Doris Henderson Ward of Wilson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.”

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In the 1930 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 318 Pender Street, Jack Henderson, truck driver, 38; wife Pauline, 31, and children Bessie, 12, Alic, 10, Joice, 8, Mildred, 6, and Archy, 4, listed in the household of mother-in-law Alic Artis, 49, private cook, paying $18/month rent.

In the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 309 Pender Street, Alice Artis, 56; daughter Pauline Henderson, 39, household servant; granddaughters Bessie L., 23, hotel elevator girl, Alice, 20, household servant, Joyce, 18, household servant, Mildred, 16, and Doris, 10; and grandson Robert, 4.

Rest in Peace, Cousin Zeke.

Photograph in collection of Hattie Henderson Ricks, now in possession of Lisa Y. Henderson.